3 Boston Celtics who could be due for a breakout year in 2020-21

The status of the NBA season is still unknown, but what we do know is the Boston Celtics have several young candidates on their roster who could be due for a breakout campaign in 2020-21.

Danny Ainge has built a roster with strong potential for the Boston Celtics. Potential doesn’t mean squat if it’s not acted on, though. Ask Jaylen Brown, who was a glorified rotation player on the Kyrie Irving-led C’s in 2018-19.

As it stands, the roster is top-heavy. Kemba Walker occupies the highest tier of talent and accomplishment, but he could soon have company with Jayson Tatum being anointed an All-Star and surpassing Walker’s shot output after February.

Beyond their two All-Stars, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward were right there when it comes to production. Brown eclipsed the 20-point threshold for the first time in his four-year career, while Gordon Hayward returned to the efficiency (17 points, six rebounds, four assists on shooting splits of 50/40/85) that made him an All-Star in 2017 before signing a max deal in free agency.

Marcus Smart is the next highest scorer, and his bench production has always been valuable. His defensive reputation precedes him, but his scoring and shooting has finally caught up to his contributions on the less glamorous side of the ball.

Beyond them, Daniel Theis has been steady as the team’s starting center and Enes Kanter has shown flashes as well, though he has mostly had a down year by his standards. The rest of the roster needs to step up to solidify the C’s as contenders.

In terms of breakout candidates that can help make that happen, the Houdini has our eyes on the following players: